Former Senate President and newly elected National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has pledged to reposition the party as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape by prioritizing internal democracy, inclusivity, and issue-based governance.
Speaking on Tuesday, 29 July, 2025, at the inauguration of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) during a high-level National Executive Committee (NEC) session in Abuja, Senator Mark delivered a rousing speech outlining his leadership blueprint for the party.
Describing his new role as a “sacred trust,” Mark said he was humbled by the confidence reposed in him by party members and vowed to lead with integrity, transparency, and vision.
“Today marks not just the beginning of a new NEC session, but the dawn of a new chapter in ADC — one we must write together with unity, courage, and conviction,” Mark declared to a standing ovation.
The new chairman paid glowing tribute to former National Chairman Hon. Ralph Nwosu and his team for their dedication and sacrifice in building the foundation of the ADC.
“Hon. Nwosu and his team deserve our deepest gratitude. Their selfless service has brought us this far, and we accept the baton of leadership with humility and a resolve to build on their legacy,” Mark said.
He also acknowledged the efforts of grassroots members, supporters, and leaders who have stood with the party over the years.
Senator Mark promised to entrench internal democracy, ensure collective leadership, and enforce strict party discipline under his watch.
“ADC under my leadership will be a party where no one has special privileges. There will be no imposition. We will ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability at all levels,” he affirmed.
He unveiled plans to build a technically competent bureaucracy within the party and introduce a structured financing model that empowers all members to truly own the party.
In a major policy shift, the ADC under Mark’s leadership will reserve 35% of leadership roles for women and integrate youths under 40 years into leadership and decision-making processes — a move aimed at modernizing the party and increasing generational participation in politics.
“Our inclusivity will not be symbolic or tokenistic. It will be real, it will be strategic, and it will be impactful,” he stated.
To reflect Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, Mark announced plans to review the party’s manifesto and constitution, stressing the need for a clear ideological identity.
“Nigerians must know exactly what ADC stands for. Our policies will not be left to the discretion of individual candidates. We will set a clear national direction,” he said.
As part of this ideological restructuring, the ADC will soon unveil a 50-member Policy Committee that will craft progressive policies in key sectors including health, education, economy, agriculture, infrastructure, security, and technology.
In his closing remarks, Senator Mark issued a nationwide call for new members to join the ADC, assuring Nigerians that the party offers equal opportunity and a true democratic space for all.
“ADC is the only party that guarantees equal opportunity to every Nigerian—regardless of age, gender, religion, or region. Our handshake extends across all divides,” Mark said.
The event was attended by prominent party stakeholders, former aspirants, youth leaders, and delegates from across the country, all of whom pledged support for the new leadership and its transformational agenda.
As Senator David Mark begins his tenure, expectations are high that the ADC will emerge stronger, more organized, and increasingly visible as Nigeria approaches another critical election cycle
